Senior Principal Engineer - Intelligent Systems - Aerospace Research

GE Aerospace • Town of Niskayuna, NY

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Principal Engineer (SPE) for Intelligent Systems shall be recognized as a technical expert and leader who has responsibility for guiding and driving research, innovation, strategy, and technology transfer to the business and external partners in the areas of not only individual component technologies in the core areas of robotics autonomy and automation but also the application of those technologies as employed in the advancement of business applications and new capability in the aerospace and defense industry. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in areas including autonomous systems and robotic automation, leveraging both primary and secondary technologies to drive innovation and execution.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, and/or related fields.
• 10+ years of relevant professional experience, including computational modeling techniques for manufacturing processes.
• 7+ years of experience leading teams or projects.
• Deep domain knowledge in Intelligent Systems, including autonomy, security, and embedded systems for next-generation aerospace applications.
• Proven ability to understand customer needs and industry trends to guide strategy and communicate priorities.
• Experience leading large research teams and reporting to executive-level leaders internally and externally.
• Track record of influencing and working with government funding agencies, including capturing funding for innovative ideas.
• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance (SECRET clearance required).
• Must be willing to work onsite in Niskayuna, NY

Nice To Haves

• Doctorate degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related fields.
• 15+ years of relevant professional experience, including system-level understanding and technical development for enabling capabilities.
• Desired Technologies Spaces: Collaborative Systems: Coordination between multiple autonomous systems for complex tasks; collaborative robots (cobots) for safe human-robot interaction in shared workspaces. Edge Computing: Local data processing for real-time decision-making and reduced latency; local processing for real-time control and feedback loops. Cybersecurity: Protects autonomous systems from cyber threats and ensures secure communication; ensures secure operation and data exchange in connected robotic systems.
• Highly regarded international reputation and extensive external network (academics, technical communities, external agencies, government labs, etc.).
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Proven ability to manage risk and uncertainty within a dynamic priority-setting environment.
• TS/SCI clearance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive roadmap, strategy, development, and execution of intelligent systems research with a focus on transitioning technologies to solutions leverageable by the GE Aerospace businesses. This includes systems and/or capabilities that employ technologies such as:
• Simulation and Digital Twins: Virtual models for testing and optimizing autonomous system performance; virtual models for testing robotic designs and workflows before deployment.
• Sensors and Perception: Cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS, IMUs for environmental awareness and navigation; proximity sensors, force sensors, tactile sensors for real-time feedback and control.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Enables decision-making, planning, and reasoning for autonomous operations; facilitates intelligent task execution and optimization in robotic systems.
• Machine Learning (ML): Algorithms for learning, pattern recognition, and adaptive decision-making; enables robots to learn from data and improve task performance over time.
• Computer Vision: Processes visual data for object detection, tracking, and environmental understanding; machine vision for object recognition, quality inspection, and guidance.
• Mapping and Localization: SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) for navigation and spatial awareness; positioning systems for precise movement and task execution.
• Actuators and Control Systems: Mechanisms for executing decisions, such as steering, braking, or robotic movements; motion control systems for precise robotic arm movements and end-effector control.
• Identify long-term technical challenges and growth opportunities in Intelligent Systems technologies for current and/or future GE Aerospace business units, developing research objectives and action plans to address these opportunities.
• Collaborate across disciplines to address complex technical issues, including partnerships with team members spanning multiple technology domains within GE Aerospace Research and across the GE Aerospace business.
• Lead major programs with key business units or government agencies such as DARPA, AFRL, and others, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with strategic goals.
• Drive, shape and secure new opportunities with government agencies like DARPA, AFRL, and other external partners by identifying areas of mutual interest, developing innovative proposals, and securing funding for cutting-edge research programs.
• Serve as a world-class technical resource for the organization, conceptualizing, developing, and evaluating leading-edge applied research.
• Shape organizational competencies and technical leadership in Intelligent Systems technology areas, coaching and mentoring teams for technical excellence.
• Develop strong networks among GE Aerospace and external customers (academia, government agencies/labs, and other partners) to build teams focused on maximizing outcomes and accelerating innovation.
• Coordinate and host internal and external visitors, enabling GE Aerospace Research multi-disciplinary teams to see the future through collaborative, external engagements.

Benefits

• GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing.
• Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services.
• Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants.
• Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior